Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University City/Golden Triangle

43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant

1. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC

4.6

Exceptional(1062)

Price: Expensive

• American • La Jolla

Booked 5 times today

True Food Kitchen in San Diego UTC is a gem for those seeking a culinary adventure. The restaurant's focus on fresh, flavorful dishes crafted from conscious ingredients makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer put it, 'True Food UTC is great, not only for the food, but the warm and attentive staff.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambience, and service make it a drive-worthy destination. The fact that it is located in a nice location with friendly staff adds to the overall experience. So, if you're up for a healthy, flavorful meal in a pleasant atmosphere, True Food Kitchen is definitely worth the drive!

A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant

2. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.8

Exceptional(187)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • La Jolla

This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining. We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends;July 4th hours: 11am-5pm

3. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1040)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 23 times today

Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.

4. Duke's La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(6524)

Price: Moderate

• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla

Booked 78 times today

We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.

5. Barbarella

4.4

Awesome(791)

Price: Moderate

• European • La Jolla

Booked 33 times today

Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!

A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

6. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.8

Exceptional(2506)

Price: Very Expensive

• Farm-to-table • La Jolla

A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state. A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

A photo of Queenstown Village restaurant

7. Queenstown Village

4.6

Exceptional(249)

Price: Moderate

• New Zealand • La Jolla

Booked 8 times today

Queenstown Village is a new hotspot in San Diego, serving a mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food. It's raved for its vibe and ambiance, with many reviewers praising the friendly service, delicious food, and beautiful decor. It's also commended for its full bar offerings, including craft cocktails and local beers. So, if you're looking for a beautiful dining experience with great food and service, it's definitely worth the drive.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(3570)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 30 times today

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in San Diego (Del Mar), CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

A photo of Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant

9. Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

4.9

Exceptional(1452)

Price: Expensive

• French • La Jolla

Booked 6 times today

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is a gem in San Diego. Reviews rave about its 'consistently delicious food', 'amazing service', and 'beautiful atmosphere'. It's described as 'the best French restaurant in San Diego' with 'authentic French cuisine'. Even the ambience is likened to eating in NYC or France, making it a 'worthwhile drive' according to several patrons. It's more than just a meal, it's an enchanting experience that you won't regret!

A photo of Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi restaurant

10. Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi

3.8

Excellent(398)

Price: Moderate

• Asian • Kearny Mesa

Booked 2 times today

Mikami Sushi is one of the only two revolving sushi concepts in San Diego. The great service, All-You-Can-Eat special, happy hours, and high quality delicious food, make for a exciting and affordable dinning experience. Mikami's is perfect for a date night, dinner, a mid-day lunch with friends or co-workers. It is family friendly and just perfect if you are experiencing a sushi craving.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Billvip
San Diego •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It’s always on point, great food, drinks and the staff are amazing.
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
D
Deborah
Vancouver / British Columbia •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a fantastic meal while visiting from Canada. We had a wonderful outside booth and incredible service. Our table had a sweet card on it wishing us a happy anniversary when we arrived. We started with cocktails (pina colada and mai tai) and shared the gotten sticky ribs and coconut shrimp. We shared the Filet mignon. All of the food was really nicely done. The steak was like butter. We enjoyed a glass of wine with our steak and then, even though we were very full, we shared the key lime pie and were glad we did! I highly recommend this restaurant and its wonderful staff and suggest finishing the night with a photo with Duke, the bronze statue out front.
More info
Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
•
4.6
G
Geoff
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Do they need another 5 star review? Or another 5 star review from me? It's fabulous as usual. We are fortunate to have this in Carlsbad. Consistent quality, impeccable service. Keep it up!
More info
Jeune et JoliePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Carlsbad
•
4.9
A
Ashley
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
F*ckin amazing nothing compared in San Diego. Get the oxtail Mac and cheese. You can say you been to heaven after eating that masterpiece. A+
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Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
•
4.5
D
Dillonvip
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was a pleasant dining experience. We sat between two heat lamps just outside of the restaurant. The special crudo of the day was refreshing and clean tasting. The two-face tostada was also good. The memorable dish of the night was the risotto. It was creamy but not overly rich and the rice had a good bite to it.
More info
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
•
4.5

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University City/Golden Triangle

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43 restaurants available nearby

1. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC

2. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

3. Marisi

4. Duke's La Jolla

5. Barbarella

6. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

7. Queenstown Village

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar

9. Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

10. Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi

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